Inside out communication, helping workplaces work better

Blog

Three things: Work practices, CPD & Sunshine

So as half term comes to a close for my children and I, and we prepare to get back to the routine tonight ready for Monday morning, my three things blog about things learned from the week before to take with me into the next is short and sweet.

Work practices

I’ve used the past week to sort out a ridiculous pile of
paperwork, admin jobs and jobs around the house. You know the stuff you don’t
really like doing but have to do to keep everything running smoothly. While
kicking myself that I hadn’t sorted some of these things as I went along, and
had chosen to ignore them instead, I was reminded of this brilliant video from
the Tom Sachs studio about work practices.

Have a watch

Some of this may resonate with you. Some you may do well,
others may need a scrub up, like me neglecting my paperwork. I’m creating my
own rules under these headings to keep me on track so I don’t slip again into a
paperwork quagmire. What would you do to make these ten bullets work for you in
your workplace?

Work to code Means adhering to the system of production – stick to what’s defined for you to do.

Sacred space Having respect for others in your workspace and shared place.

Be on time Come prepared and commit yourself entirely. Have an on the clock mentality, where you are focused on your task in hand. Setting aside time for work and time for play.

Be thorough Prepare to do the task. Complete the task. Note any changes as a result of the task. Tidy away after your task is complete. Communicate what you need to do to be thorough.

I understand Feedback is important. Communication must be clear and you must be sure that the other person has received and understood the message that’s been sent. I understand is our ‘roger’, in the Sachs studio.

Sent does not mean received Always get a receipt – a record or proof of sending. For us in communications this is critical. What’s the point sending anything if people don’t listen, understand or are not engaged?

Keep a list A prioritised list, to carry at all times, to keep track of all your projects is essential (I love lists). A carefully updated list justifies your work, time and shows progress.

Always be knolling Or ABK. What is to knoll? “The actual definition of knolling is the process of arranging like objects in parallel or 90 degree angles as a method of organization” dictionary definition. For Sachs, it means keeping your workplace clear and focussed on the task in hand. Scan for anything not being used, put away what’s not in use, tidy your space, and be ready for work. Keep it that way.

Sacrifice to ‘leatherface’ This is about taking responsibility for our own oversights, weaknesses, lack of responsibility, mistakes or misdemeanours. I firmly believe it’s important to come clean when you make a mistake, own up, clean up and put it right. It’s important in any workplace that it’s safe to be honest about mistakes we make otherwise we won’t be able to learn from them. In the Sachs studio there’s a structured monetary fine for misdemeanours, that’s held by a small model of ‘leatherface’ and used for office celebrations. What would be your list of critical misdemeanours? How would you ‘fine’ yourself or others for them? This is a tough one for me as much of the time, I’m working from my home office, but I still think this is something that could keep me from making stupid mistakes and help me learn from bigger ones.

Persistence Press on, nothing replaces persistence when it comes to success and getting things done. Abundant talent, education, or genius cannot replace the tenacity to keep on going, even when it’s particularly hard and especially when it’s really, really dull. Persistence and determination are what gets the work done.

CPD

Logging my professional development activities was one of the things I’ve neglected to do as I charged through this past year. So I had to spend some time doing it this week. To be honest it really didn’t take long, I’d completed more than enough activities and had all the evidence I needed. It’s all done, I’ve got another year of CPD completed and pleased I retain my accredited and Chartered status.

But I’m kicking myself just a little. There was so much I did last year and now I’ve not got the time to add it all beyond the essential list to tick the CPD box. I like things to be complete, and I like to record everything I do, so I can keep track of my CPD, and the CIPR CPD log is the perfect place to do it. It is how I have managed my CPD in recent years. I will be reverting to my tried and tested method for the year ahead.

Sunshine

Despite all the doom and gloom that you may read in the news
and social media, life’s pretty good, and it’s always better when the sun’s
shining. So, grab the opportunity and get out in it as much as you can. Drench
yourself in vitamin D and boost your health and energy.

Yesterday we walked at Hengistbury Head and took in this view. I know I’m incredibly lucky to live where I do.

No matter where you live or work, take the opportunity to
get outside and listen to the birds sing and get the sun on your face. Spring
is on its way.

Thanks for stopping by and
reading my thoughts. I hope you’ll be inspired.

I
work with businesses of all shapes and sizes to help them communicate clearly,
reveal the human connections that matter and get meaningful results. If you
would like to find out what people think and feel about your business, and
communicate with them better, get in touch.